The Best Mini Humidifiers

The Best Mini Humidifiers

Dry air can wreak havoc on the body. Some people may experience itchy, flaking skin, chapped lips, and blocked nasal cavities. A humidifier is a great way to cut down on the uncomfortable effects the cold-weather blues can cause, but many of them are large, clunky, and a pain to move around. We've picked out a few of our favorite smaller versions of these helpful devices that help combat the dry air in your home.

TaoTronics Cool Mist Humidifier

Streamlined perfection

This slim humidifier is a fantastic fit for every room and every family member.
Best Overall

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If there were such a thing as a perfect humidifier, this option from TaoTronics would be our pick. It’s quiet and lightweight, and its pleasing, slim design makes it an excellent fit for any room. It’s also a breeze to control the spray level with its dial-like knob, and its indicator light will alert you when the water supply is low. We also absolutely love that this product has a 360° nozzle that can be adjusted to aim the mist where you need it most. Additionally, it’s among the quietest humidifiers we found, making it ideal for use during the night or in a shared workspace.

Pros:

  • Easy to clean and refill
  • Does not create any messy condensation on the exterior

Con:

  • May require more cleaning if you live somewhere with hard water

Movtip Portable Mini Humidifier

Hit the road, Jack

This small, lightweight humidifier is the perfect item for the frequent tourist.
Best For Travel

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If you experience dry skin or breathing issues, you know that those problems can follow you around once you leave the house. That’s why we love this little portable humidifier from Movtip that you can take anywhere. It’s great for the office and is even small enough to take on vacation, which is great since it can be difficult to regulate the airflow in many hotel rooms. This little humidifier has two mist settings to choose from as well: a continuous spray for up to 12 hours or an intermittent spray that lasts up to 18 hours.

Pros:

  • Automatically shuts off when the water level is no longer safe
  • Easy to assemble
  • Extremely quiet

Con:

  • The USB charging cord is short and needs to be plugged in for use

Air Expect Baby Humidifier & Diffuser

Small yet mighty

Give your kids a quality humidifier to ease their dry-air-related ailments.
Best For Kids' Rooms

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Kids can experience fairly severe reactions to the elements around them, such as chapped lips, itchy noses, and dry eyes. This option from Air Expect is a great choice for kids’ rooms, and not just because of its integrated, adjustable nightlight. It works as a diffuser as well as a humidifier, which means you’re able to pour essential oils like lavender into the tank to help relax your little ones as they wind down for the evening. This humidifier is super simple to use, as you can refill the water tank with or without removing the lid. Additionally, Air Expect’s products are all BPA-free, so you know you’re using an item that’s safe for your family.

Pros:

  • Aesthetically pleasing design
  • Despite its small size, it can work in semi-large rooms

Con:

  • The blue power indicator light may be too bright for some who need complete darkness when they sleep

AmuseNd Mini Size Cactus Humidifier

An oasis in the desert

This adorable mini-cactus will help alleviate dryness while adding some personality to your space.
Best Decorative

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Usually, cacti thrive in dry, arid weather, but this mini succulent-inspired humidifier from AmuseNd will provide you with all of the moisture you need — plus, it looks cute, too. It’s an adorable addition to any office since it can be conveniently charged with any USB port. The fact that this item uses only cool mist is also helpful, in that warm mists may tend to make rooms feel a bit humid, which may be an uncomfortable climate for some people to sleep in. Your little cactus will shut itself off after four hours to avoid over-humidifying small spaces.

Pros:

  • Mighty mist for the small size
  • Takes up a minuscule amount of room, which makes it perfect for a crowded desk or nightstand
  • Nightlight option available

Con:

  • There is no diffuser function with this humidifier, and you may not use any essential oils  or aromatherapy in it

Pure Enrichment Cool Mist Humidifier

Small in size, big on longevity

This is one humidifier you won't have to worry about constantly refilling.
Best For Small Spaces

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This humidifier by Pure Enrichment packs a huge punch considering its small stature. This sleek-looking product gently sends out a cool mist that helps to control the room’s humidity at the same time. It also has one of the longest operating time of the products we found — between seven and ten hours — which means you can easily use this through the night without worrying that it will run dry. Another difference this particular humidifier has from the others we covered is that it uses a plain old wall power source, which may be easier for some people who don’t have access to a USB port near their bed.

Pros:

  • Comes with a convenient brush so you can clean the insides with ease
  • Can be used with or without the nightlight feature
  • Emits a soothing white-noise-like sound

Con:

  • The mist only sprays straight up in the air, so you’re not able to angle it

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a warm and cool mist humidifier?

Warm mist humidifiers are best suited for smaller areas, and they also require a bit more cleaning since the warm water residue can grow mold more quickly. However, they are a fantastic way to help soothe symptoms from the flu or a heavy-duty cold and tend to run more quietly than their cold air counterparts. Humidifiers that emit a cooler mist are great for dry, warmer climates, and many of them have an internal system that will help evaporate excess moisture to ensure your space doesn’t become too humid. Additionally, cool mist products are much less of a safety hazard, as humidifiers that use warm water may cause burns from the hot steam.

How often should I clean my humidifier?

As long as you’re using your humidifier regularly, it should be, at the very least, rinsed daily and filled with fresh water. Stillwater inside tends to become contaminated with bacteria and mold, and if those toxins are released into the air you’re breathing, it defeats the purpose of even using the humidifier. A thorough clean once weekly should do the trick and keep everyone in your household safe.